Garmin Fenix E series and Fenix 8 were first released on 27 August 2024. We perform a quick comparison of core features and functions of Fenix E and Fenix 8 below.
For this comparison, we have picked Fenix 8 47 mm standard edition smartwatch. Fenix 8 comes in 43 mm, 47 mm, and 51 mm sizes. Since Fenix E has 47 mm size, the comparison below focuses on Fenix 8 47 mm variant.
Main differences
The main differences between Fenix E and Fenix 8 are:
- Garmin Fenix 8 is compatible with the Garmin ECG app. Fenix E does not support Garmin ECG app as of now.
- Garmin Fenix E misses multi-band of dual frequency support while Fenix 8 supports multi-band GPS.
- Fenix E comes with Corning Gorilla Glass and Fenix 8 includes Corning Gorilla glass or Sapphire crystal glass options.
- You can make calls or answer calls directly from a Fenix 8 smartwatch. Fenix E lack this feature.
- Fenix E’s bezel is stainless steel. Fenix 8 AMOLED offers steel or titanium bezel options.
- Both, Fenix E and Fenix 8 47 mm edition smartwatches use AMOLED display.
- Fenix E has lower internal storage (16 GB) than Fenix 8 (32 GB)
- Fenix E and Fenix 8 use the same water resistance ratings of 10 ATM (100 meters depth pressure)
- Fenix E ($799.99) is cheaper than Fenix 8 47 mm ($999.99) by $200.
The discussion below focuses only on the main factors only.
Garmin ECG
In our view, the most significant difference between Fenix 8 and Fenix E is the Garmin ECG app compatibility. Fenix E is not compatible with the Garmin ECG app.
Fenix 8 is compatible with the Garmin ECG app. The Garmin ECG app is FDA approved. You can use it to take on-demand ECG readings of the heart. This could help uncover underlying rhythm issues in the heart.
Display
Fenix E and Fenix 8 use the AMOLED display technology. AMOLED display offers a brighter screen display that the MIP or memory-in-pixel technology used by Garmin in earlier smartwatch models.
Fenix E offers display resolution of 416 x 416 pixels and Fenix 8 47 mm has a display resolution of 454 x 454 pixels.
GPS
Fenix E and Fenix 8 support GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou GPS satellite networks.
The essential difference lies in the multi-band GPS support in Fenix 8.
With multi-band GPS support, a Fenix 8 can fetch GPS data at any given point in time from multiple satellite systems.
Multi-band GPS improves GPS accuracy and reliability. This feature, however, is more useful for runners and athletes because they need accurate GPS data at all times.
For people passionate about tracking runs or taking extended hiking trips, multi-band GPS can make a substantial difference to the GPS data accuracy.
With multi-band GPS, Fenix 8 also includes a SatIQ sensor. The SatIQ sensor helps in efficient battery backup management. It will automatically toggle on or off the multi-band GPS mode after evaluating quality of GPS connections or signals.
(Know about technical specifications of Fenix E and Fenix 8 in detail.)
DIVE compatibility
Fenix 8 has a depth sensor that can track depths to 40 meters. Fenix 8 is dive ready watch that comes with in-build profiles for:
- Scuba diving
- Apnea diving
Fenix 8 uses the Bühlmann ZHL-16c with Gradient Factors as the decompression model for diving. It also supports Nitrox gas mix.
Speaker and microphone
Fenix 8 includes an in-built speaker and microphone. You can make calls or answer calls directly from a Fenix 8 smartwatch.
Fenix E uses paired smartphone’s speaker and mic through a Bluetooth connection.